DECEMBER GARDEN CHECKLIST

• IT'S NOT TOO LATE -- There is still time to plant spring-flowering bulbs like daffodils, tulips, hyacinth, crocus and the like. Put in garlic if you haven't done so already.

   

• CLEAN UP -- To forestall disease on fruit trees and roses, rake fallen leaves and petals. Remove shriveled fruit. Pull up spent annuals and vegetable debris. Rake leaves and make compost. Keeping the garden clean and trim also prevents heavy slug and snail infestation.

   

• SOW SEED -- Fall is an excellent time to plant a new lawn, or reseed bare, overused areas.

   

• FERTILIZE -- Lawns and newly planted cool-season annuals and vegetables could use a shot of high nitrogen fertilizer this month. Manures, organic fertilizers and lime should be added to vegetable and flower beds that will be planted next spring.

   

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